Program, information processing method, and information processing apparatus.

Abstract

To streamline operations that provide services to customers. [Solution] The program causes the computer 70 to function as: a first acquisition means 100 that acquires a first image generated when a first imaging device 4a photographs a first area on the ground; a identification means 102 that identifies a target area within the first area where the damage caused by a wide-area disaster is greater than a predetermined size, based on the first image; a second acquisition means 104 that acquires a second image generated when a second imaging device 4b photographs a second area including at least a part of the target area at a higher resolution than when the first imaging device 4a photographed the first area; and an estimation means 106 that estimates the extent of damage to geological features caused by a wide-area disaster in at least a part of the target area, based on the second image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing method, and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for improving the efficiency of insurance-related operations are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of estimating damage caused by flood to a feature based on flood information and position information, and determining consistency between the estimation result and report information related to a report of damage caused to the feature.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 leaves room for further improving the efficiency of operations for providing services such as insurance to customers.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a program, an information processing method, and an information processing apparatus that improve the efficiency of operations for providing services to customers.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to function as: a first acquisition means for acquiring a first image generated by a first imaging device photographing a first area on the ground; a identification means for identifying a target area within the first area where the damage caused by a wide-area disaster is greater than or equal to a predetermined size, based on the first image; a second acquisition means for acquiring a second image generated by a second imaging device photographing a second area including at least a part of the target area at a higher resolution than when the first imaging device photographed the first area; and an estimation means for estimating the extent of damage to features in at least a part of the target area due to a wide-area disaster, based on the second image.

[0007] A program relating to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as: a first acquisition means for acquiring a first image generated by a first imaging device photographing a first area on the ground; a identification means for identifying a target area within the first area where the damage caused by a wide-area disaster is greater than or equal to a predetermined size, based on the first image; a second acquisition means for acquiring a second image generated by a second imaging device photographing a second area including at least a part of the target area from an altitude lower than that of the first imaging device; and an estimation means for estimating the extent of damage to features in at least a part of the target area caused by a wide-area disaster, based on the second image.

[0008] Another aspect of the information processing method relating to this disclosure includes a computer executing the above program.

[0009] An information processing device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a storage unit for storing the program and a control unit for executing the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to streamline operations that provide services to customers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the operation of System 1 in this embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of System 1 in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 2 of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 2 of this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates an example of the display screen of the terminal device 3 in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of each device included in System 1 of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] 1. Overview Traditionally, when damage occurred to insured property (such as real estate), the policyholder would file a claim for insurance benefits, and an insurance company's investigator (also known as an adjuster) would verify the damage. However, in the event of a widespread disaster, numerous insurance claims for property in the affected area could be filed simultaneously, making it difficult for insurance companies to adequately handle them. Furthermore, policyholders in areas particularly hard hit by a widespread disaster generally prioritize rebuilding their lives, making it difficult for them to dedicate the time and effort to filing insurance claims.

[0013] According to System 1 of this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "System 1"), the problems related to this example can be solved. The overview of the operation of System 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0014] System 1 includes an information processing device 2, a first imaging device 4a, and a second imaging device 4b. The first imaging device 4a generates a wide-area image by imaging a wide area Ar1 on the ground (S1). The first imaging device 4a transmits the wide-area image to the information processing device 2 (S2). Based on the wide-area image, the information processing device 2 identifies a target area Ta within the wide area Ar1 where the damage caused by the wide-area disaster is greater than a predetermined size (S3). Next, the second imaging device 4b generates a medium-area image by imaging a medium-area Ar2 including the target area Ta with a higher resolution than when the first imaging device 4a imaged the wide area Ar1 (S4). The second imaging device 4b transmits the medium-area image to the information processing device 2 (S5). Based on the medium-area image, the information processing device 2 estimates the extent of damage to features in the target area Ta caused by the wide-area disaster (S6).

[0015] The information processing device 2 first identifies the area Ta with the most damage based on the imaging results of the wide area Ar1, and then estimates the extent of the damage based on the imaging results of the medium area Ar2, which includes the area Ta, and is imaged with high resolution. In other words, the information processing device 2 can quickly and systematically identify the area Ta that requires intensive damage assessment and then grasp the extent of the damage in that area Ta. This allows insurance companies to concentrate their investigation resources on specific areas, thereby streamlining insurance-related operations.

[0016] The following provides illustrative examples of the various configurations that System 1 may have, with reference to Figures 2-6.

[0017] 2. Functional Configuration Referring to Figure 2, the functional configuration of System 1 will be described. System 1 includes an information processing device 2, a terminal device 3, a first imaging device 4a, a second imaging device 4b, a third imaging device 4c, and a communication network 5. Hereinafter, when the first imaging device 4a, the second imaging device 4b, and the third imaging device 4c are not distinguished, or when they are referred to collectively, they will simply be called "imaging device 4". The information processing device 2, the terminal device 3, and the imaging device 4 are configured to communicate with each other via the communication network 5.

[0018] 2.1 Information Processing Apparatus 2 The information processing apparatus 2 executes processing for improving the efficiency of insurance-related operations. The information processing apparatus 2 may be a server apparatus when the terminal apparatus 3 is used as a client apparatus. The information processing apparatus 2 may be a cloud server apparatus. The information processing apparatus 2 may be an apparatus including one or more virtual or physical web server apparatuses and one or more virtual or physical database server apparatuses.

[0019] The information processing apparatus 2 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 12, a network interface unit 14, and a bus 16. The control unit 10, the storage unit 12, and the network interface unit 14 are electrically connected via the bus 16.

[0020] 2.1.1 Control Unit 10 The control unit 10 can function as a first acquisition unit 100, a specifying unit 102, a second acquisition unit 104, an estimation unit 106, a display control unit 108, a reception unit 110, a determination unit 112, and a third acquisition unit 114 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 10 described later. Various configurations that can be realized based on these functions will be described later.

[0021] 2.1.2 Storage Unit 12 The storage unit 12 stores various types of information for the operation of the information processing apparatus 2. In one embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 10.

[0022] 2.1.3 Network Interface Unit 14 The network interface unit 14 implements communication with other apparatuses via the communication network 5.

[0023] 2.2 Terminal Apparatus 3 Terminal device 3 is a communication device used by an insurance company employee. Terminal device 3 may be, for example, a smartphone, personal computer, tablet, or wearable device. Terminal device 3 includes an input interface, an output interface, and a communication interface. The input interface is for terminal device 3 to receive input from the user. The input interface may be a touch panel, microphone, camera, keyboard, or mouse. The output interface is for transmitting information to the user via images, sound, etc. The output interface may be a display (which may also function as a touch panel) or speaker. The communication interface is for communicating with other devices via the communication network 5. The communication interface may be a wireless communication interface or a wired communication interface. Terminal device 3 may access services provided by information processing device 2 via, for example, a web browser, or it may access such services by installing dedicated software.

[0024] 2.3 Imaging device 4 The imaging device 4 may be a device capable of photographing the ground.

[0025] The second imaging device 4b may be capable of imaging the ground with a higher resolution than the first imaging device 4a. Similarly, the third imaging device 4c may be capable of imaging the ground with a higher resolution than the second imaging device 4b. For example, the resolutions of the first imaging device 4a, the second imaging device 4b, and the third imaging device 4c may be 3m, 0.3m, and 0.3cm, respectively. The resolution may be the ground resolution.

[0026] The second imaging device 4b may have a narrower observation width during imaging than the first imaging device 4a. Similarly, the third imaging device 4c may have a narrower observation width during imaging than the second imaging device 4b. For example, the observation widths of the first imaging device 4a, the second imaging device 4b, and the third imaging device 4c may be 200 km, 14 m, and 5 cm, respectively.

[0027] The second imaging device 4b may be used to photograph the ground at a lower altitude than the first imaging device 4a. Similarly, the third imaging device 4c may be used to photograph the ground at a lower altitude than the second imaging device 4b. For example, the altitudes of the first imaging device 4a, the second imaging device 4b, and the third imaging device 4c could be 200km to 36000km (altitude of a satellite), 8000m to 12000m (altitude of an aircraft), and 10m to 150m (altitude of a drone), respectively.

[0028] The imaging device 4 may be a device mounted on an aerial object such as an artificial satellite, aircraft, or drone. The imaging device 4 may be a device mounted on a moving object other than an aerial object, such as a vehicle or smartphone. The imaging device 4 may be a stationary device such as a fixed-point camera.

[0029] The imaging device 4 may be a device equipped with sensors that detect electromagnetic waves such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light, and that captures reflected light and radiant light from the ground. The imaging device 4 may be a device that irradiates, for example, laser light toward the ground and detects the reflected light.

[0030] 2.4 Communication Network 5 Communication network 5 enables communication between each device included in system 1. Communication network 5 enables communication between devices based on, for example, the TCP / IP protocol.

[0031] 3. Example configurations that the control unit 10 can implement The following describes an example of a configuration that can be realized by the control unit 10 functioning as a first acquisition means 100, a specific means 102, a second acquisition means 104, an estimation means 106, a display control means 108, a reception means 110, a determination means 112, and a third acquisition means 114.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first acquisition means 100 acquires a wide-area image generated by the first imaging device 4a photographing a wide area of ​​the ground, the identification means 102 identifies a target area within the wide area where the damage caused by the wide-area disaster is greater than a predetermined size based on the wide-area image, the second acquisition means 104 acquires a medium-area image generated by the second imaging device 4b photographing a medium-area including at least a part of the target area with a higher resolution than when the first imaging device 4a photographed the wide area, and the estimation means 106 estimates the extent of damage to features in at least a part of the target area caused by the wide-area disaster based on the medium-area image. With this configuration, when a wide-area disaster occurs, a target area with significant damage can be identified from the wide-area image, and the extent of damage to features can be estimated by photographing that target area in detail with an image generated by the second imaging device 4b, which has high resolution, thus enabling an efficient and accurate assessment of the damage situation.

[0033] A widespread disaster can be a disaster that causes damage over a wide geographical area. Examples of widespread disasters include water-related disasters (including tsunamis and floods), forest fires, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and earthquakes.

[0034] Landforms can be structures and / or natural topographic elements existing on the ground. Landforms can be damaged by widespread disasters. Landforms can include, for example, buildings, roads, bridges, farmland, forests, and rivers.

[0035] A wide area can be a broad area of ​​the ground captured by the first imaging device 4a. A wide area can be an area where the extent of damage from a wide-area disaster should be initially assessed. A wide area can be, for example, the entire region where a wide-area disaster occurred, a specific region, or a specific administrative district. A wide area is an example of the first area.

[0036] Wide-area images may be images generated by the first imaging device 4a capturing a wide area. Wide-area images can be used to understand the situation of a wide-area disaster. Wide-area images cover a wide area with relatively low resolution and can be used as basic information for identifying target areas where damage from a wide-area disaster exceeds a certain size. Wide-area images may be, for example, satellite images, aerial photographs, and drone images that capture a wide area.

[0037] Damage to land and structures can be physical or functional damage to land and structures caused by a widespread disaster. Examples of such damage may include the collapse of buildings, damage to roofs, flooding of roads, and damage to bridges.

[0038] The "predetermined magnitude" of damage used to identify the target area may be a predetermined standard value used to evaluate the impact of damage caused by a wide-area disaster. This standard value may be determined, for example, according to the characteristics of the wide-area disaster and the severity of the damage. Whether the damage in each area included in the wide area exceeds the predetermined magnitude can be determined, for example, based on the percentage of features in each area that were completely destroyed (hereinafter referred to as the "total loss rate") and the percentage of features that were damaged in each area.

[0039] The target area may be a geographical area identified based on wide-area images where damage from a wide-area disaster exceeds a predetermined magnitude. The target area may be the target of imaging by the second imaging device 4b, which has a higher resolution than the first imaging device 4a, in order to grasp and analyze the detailed damage situation within the target area. The target area may be, for example, an area within a wide area where particularly severe damage to geographical features has occurred.

[0040] Having a high resolution in the imaging device 4 may mean that the imaging device 4 can produce images with high detail. Having a high resolution in the imaging device 4 may mean, for example, that it can produce images with a large number of pixels per unit area, and that it can produce images in which the structure of features in the captured area can be more clearly identified. For example, an imaging device 4 that produces an N-pixel image when photographing a 1km square area can be said to have higher resolution than an imaging device 4 that produces an N-pixel image when photographing a 10km square area. For another example, an imaging device 4 that produces an image with a resolution that allows for the identification of objects down to about 1m when photographing a 1km square area can be said to have higher resolution than an imaging device 4 that produces an image with a resolution that allows for the identification of objects down to 10cm when photographing a 1km square area.

[0041] The intermediate area may be a medium-range area of ​​the ground captured by the second imaging device 4b. The intermediate area includes at least a portion of the target area, and a detailed image is captured with higher resolution. The intermediate area may include the entire target area. If the broad area is, for example, a region, the intermediate area may be any prefecture included in that region. If the broad area is, for example, a prefecture, the intermediate area may be any city, town, or village included in that prefecture. If the broad area is, for example, a large district, the intermediate area may be any block included in that large district. The intermediate area is an example of the second area.

[0042] Mid-range images may be used to assess the extent of damage caused by a wide-area disaster in a target region. If the wide-area image is, for example, a satellite image, the mid-range image may be an aerial image. If the wide-area image is, for example, an aerial image, the mid-range image may be an image taken by a drone.

[0043] Damage assessment can provide information indicating the extent of the physical or functional impact on land features caused by a widespread disaster. Damage assessment may be indicated, for example, by the percentage of total loss, the presence or absence of damage to land features, the type of damage, and the severity of the damage.

[0044] Estimating the damage status of features in a target area based on mid-range images may involve estimating the damage status of each of multiple features in the target area, or it may involve obtaining a statistical situation of the damage to multiple features in the target area (e.g., total loss rate). Estimating the damage status of features based on mid-range images may involve determining the damage status of the features based on features obtained from the mid-range images. The estimation means 106 may estimate the damage status of features based on techniques such as image analysis, pattern recognition, and machine learning. In one example, the estimation means 106 may compare a mid-range image generated by photographing a mid-range area including the target area before a wide-area disaster occurred with a mid-range image generated by photographing the mid-range area after a wide-area disaster occurred, and estimate that areas with a predetermined difference were damaged by the wide-area disaster. In another example, the estimation means 106 may perform the estimation using a machine learning model configured to output an estimation result of the damage status of the target area by taking a mid-range image as input.

[0045] In one embodiment, the identification means 102 identifies the target area based on the presence and / or percentage of completely destroyed features in a wide area. With this configuration, it may be possible to identify areas as target areas where obtaining detailed information is of particularly high importance.

[0046] Total loss of a geographical feature can include a situation where the damage to that feature due to a widespread disaster is irreparable. For example, if the feature is a building and the widespread disaster is an earthquake, total loss of the feature could mean the building collapses. In another example, if the feature is a road and the widespread disaster is a flood, total loss of the feature could mean the road is washed away.

[0047] In one embodiment, the target area includes one or more sections, and the estimation means 106 estimates the damage status of features in each of the one or more sections based on the mid-range image. With this configuration, it is possible to estimate the damage status of features in each section within the target area, making it possible to grasp the damage status in more detail.

[0048] One or more sections may be individual areas included within the target area. A section may function as a unit from which the extent of damage to geographical features can be estimated. Sections may be defined based on geographical or administrative boundaries. Examples of sections include administrative divisions and city blocks. In one example, when the target area is a prefecture, a section may be a city or town. In another example, when the target area is a city or town, a section may be a town or district. In yet another example, a section may be the east / west side of a river flowing north-south within the target area. In yet another example, a section may be an area within the target area with an elevation above a predetermined height / an area below that predetermined height.

[0049] In one embodiment, the estimation means 106 estimates the percentage of total-damaged features in each of one or more sections, and the display control means 108 displays information on the terminal device 3 of the insurance company's representative regarding the first section in which the percentage of total-damaged features is estimated to be higher than a first threshold. With this configuration, by providing the insurance company's representative with information on sections in which the percentage of total-damaged features is estimated to be high, important damage situations can be grasped quickly.

[0050] The first threshold may be a reference value for determining whether a particular section within the target area is subject to notification to the insurance company's representative. The first threshold may be a predetermined percentage of total loss. For example, the first threshold may be a total loss rate of 90% for a particular section.

[0051] In one embodiment, the reception means 110 receives an operation to decide to pay insurance money corresponding to the features belonging to the first section, regardless of whether or not an insurance claim has been made for the features, after the display control means 108 has displayed information regarding the first section on the terminal device 3 of the person in charge. This configuration eliminates the need for individual claim procedures and enables prompt insurance payment.

[0052] Insurance benefits can be money paid based on an insurance contract, etc., in accordance with specific events or conditions. For example, insurance benefits may be money corresponding to the extent of damage to the property, or a fixed amount paid on the condition that a certain degree of damage has occurred to the property. Insurance benefits may be paid to the policyholder, or to a contractor (for example, a building repair contractor) that removes the effects of the damage to the property. An insurance claim may be a request from the insurer for payment of insurance benefits based on the insurance contract.

[0053] In one embodiment, the determination means 112 determines whether there are insurable properties in a second section of one or more sections where the proportion of totally damaged properties is estimated to be below a first threshold and above a second threshold. If the determination means 112 determines that there are insurable properties in the second section, the third acquisition means 114 acquires a narrow area image generated by the third imaging device 4c imaging a narrow area including at least a part of the second section with a higher resolution than when the second imaging device 4b images a medium area. The estimation means 106 estimates whether the insurable properties are totally damaged based on the narrow area image. With this configuration, more detailed images can be acquired by focusing on sections with a moderate degree of total damage, and the total damage of insurable properties can be estimated more accurately based on these images, thereby improving the efficiency of the survey and the accuracy of the determination.

[0054] The second threshold can be a criterion for determining whether a particular section within the target area should be subjected to more detailed analysis. This, in combination with the first threshold, can function to identify sections where the total loss rate is estimated to be moderate. For example, among one or more sections, a section with a total loss rate of 50% or more (an example of the second threshold) and less than 90% (an example of the first threshold) might be designated as the second section (i.e., a section that should be subjected to more detailed analysis).

[0055] A narrow area can refer to a geographical area that includes at least a portion of the second area and is subject to high-resolution imaging. For example, if the medium area is a prefecture, the narrow area could be any city, town, or village within that prefecture. If the medium area is a city, the narrow area could be any town or district within that city. If the medium area is an area that includes a specific group of buildings, the narrow area could be a specific building included in that group of buildings. A narrow area is an example of a third area.

[0056] A narrow-area image may be used to assess the extent of damage to an insured property. If the medium-area image is, for example, an aerial image, the narrow-area image may be an image taken by a drone. Alternatively, if the medium-area image is, for example, an image taken by a drone from above, the narrow-area image may be an image taken by a fixed camera on the ground.

[0057] In one embodiment, the display control means 108 displays information about the insured property on the employee's terminal device 3 when the estimation means 106 estimates that the insured property is a total loss, and the reception means 110 receives an operation to decide whether to pay the insurance money corresponding to the insured property, regardless of whether an insurance claim has been made for the insured property, after the display control means 108 has displayed the information about the insured property on the employee's terminal device 3. With this configuration, if the insured property is estimated to be a total loss, the insurance money can be paid regardless of whether an insurance claim has been made, provided that an operation is made by the employee.

[0058] 4. Examples of operation and display screens Referring to Figures 3-5, an example of the operation of the information processing device 2 and an example of the display screen of the terminal device 3 will be explained.

[0059] 4.1 Example of Operation Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 2. First, the information processing device 2 acquires a wide-area image of a wide area (S100). Next, based on the wide-area image, the information processing device 2 searches the wide area for damaged districts (Oaza) whose damage due to a wide-area disaster exceeds a predetermined size (S102). Searching for damaged districts is one example of identifying a target area. Next, the information processing device 2 determines whether or not damaged districts were found in the wide area (S104). If no damaged districts were found (S104 NO), the information processing device 2 terminates processing for that wide area.

[0060] In contrast, if a damaged district is discovered from a wide area (S104 YES), the information processing device 2 acquires a medium-range image of the medium-range area including the damaged district (S106). Next, the information processing device 2 estimates the damage status of a block within the damaged district based on the medium-range image (S108). Next, the information processing device 2 determines the degree of total loss for the block (S110). If the total loss rate for the block is less than 50% (an example of the second threshold) (S110 less than 50%), the information processing device 2 terminates processing for that block.

[0061] In contrast, if the total loss rate of the block is 90% or more (an example of the first threshold) (S110 90% or more), the information processing device 2 displays the mid-range image acquired in step S106 on the terminal device 3 (S112). Then, when the person in charge has completed the confirmation (S114 YES), the information processing device 2 certifies that all insured properties in the block are total losses (S116). As a result, the information processing device 2 can execute the process of paying insurance money equivalent to the total loss to the insurer who owns the insured properties in the block.

[0062] Furthermore, if the total loss rate of a block is 50% or more but less than 90% (S110 50% or more but less than 90%), the information processing device 2 determines whether or not there are insurable properties in that block (S118). If there are no insurable properties (S118 NO), the information processing device 2 terminates processing for that block.

[0063] In response to this, if there is an insured property in the block (S118 YES), the information processing device 2 acquires a narrow area image of the area including the block (S120). Then, the information processing device 2 estimates the extent of damage to the insured property in the block based on the narrow area image (S122). Next, the information processing device 2 determines whether the insured property is a total loss or not (S124). If it is not a total loss (S124 NO), the information processing device 2 terminates processing for the insured property. The insurance company's investigator will then investigate the extent of the damage to the insured property.

[0064] In contrast, if the insured property is a total loss (S124 YES), the information processing device 2 displays a narrow-area image on the terminal device 3 (S126). Then, when the person in charge has completed the confirmation (S128 YES), the information processing device 2 certifies that the insured property is a total loss (S130). As a result, the information processing device 2 can execute the process of paying an insurance payment equivalent to the total loss to the insured policyholder who owns the insured property.

[0065] The information processing device 2 may repeatedly perform the processing in steps S100 to S130 for each of the multiple wide areas. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 may repeatedly perform the processing in steps S106 to S130 for each of the multiple damaged districts discovered within a given wide area. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 may repeatedly perform the processing in steps S108 to S130 for each of the multiple blocks within a given damaged district. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 may repeatedly perform the processing in steps S122 to S130 for each of the multiple insured properties located within a given block.

[0066] Figure 4 illustrates how using the information processing device 2 can significantly reduce the number of geographical features that insurance company investigators would otherwise have to prioritize checking on-site. Figure 4 shows the broad area La, the sub-districts Ma1 to Ma3 included in broad area La, the blocks Sa11 to Sa13 included in sub-district Ma1, and the blocks Sa21 to Sa23 included in sub-district Ma2.

[0067] First, the information processing device 2 determines, based on the wide-area image generated by the first imaging device 4a capturing a wide area La, that there are blocks with a high rate of total loss in districts Ma1 and Ma2, while there are no blocks with a high rate of total loss in district Ma3.

[0068] Next, the information processing device 2 acquires a mid-range image showing the large area Ma1, and based on this mid-range image, determines that the total loss rate for blocks Sa11 and Sa13 is equal to or greater than the first threshold. Conversely, the information processing device 2 determines that the total loss rate for block Sa12 is less than the first threshold but equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0069] Furthermore, the information processing device 2 acquires a mid-range image showing the large area Ma2, and based on this mid-range image, determines that block Sa22 has a total loss rate of 1 or greater than the first threshold, and block Sa21 has a total loss rate of less than the first threshold but 2 or greater than the second threshold. Conversely, the information processing device 2 determines that block Sa23 has a total loss rate of less than the second threshold.

[0070] Next, the information processing device 2 determines that there are no insured properties in block Sa12 of district Ma1, but there are insured properties Sa21a to Sa21b in block Sa21 of district Ma2. The information processing device 2 acquires a narrow-area image showing block Sa21, and based on this narrow-area image, determines that insured property Sa21a is completely destroyed, but insured property Sa21b is partially damaged.

[0071] Under the circumstances described above, for the following reasons (1) to (4), the only property that the insurance company's investigator should prioritize checking the damage to on-site is the insured property Sa21b. (1) There are no blocks with a high rate of total loss in district Ma3, and district Sa23 in district Ma2 also has a low rate of total loss, so the priority of the survey is low. (2) Blocks Sa11 and Sa13 of Oaza Ma1, and block Sa22 of Oaza Ma2 have a high rate of total loss, so the insured properties in these blocks can be certified as total loss collectively and there is no need to conduct an investigation. (3) Block Sa12 of Oaza Ma1 does not contain any insured property, so there is no need to investigate it. (4) The insured property Sa21a in block Sa21 of district Ma2 has been determined to be a total loss, so there is no need to investigate it.

[0072] 4.2 Display screen example Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of terminal device 3. The example display screen in Figure 5 shows the large-area map Mam, block maps Sam1 to Sam4 within the large-area map Mam, message d10, and the total loss certification button d12, which can be displayed based on the mid-range image. The block corresponding to block map Sam1 has a total loss rate of 1 or higher. The blocks corresponding to each of block maps Sam2 to Sam4 have a total loss rate of less than 2 thresholds. An insurance company representative can visually inspect these maps and, after confirming that the total loss rate of the features included in the block corresponding to block map Sam1 is indeed high, press the total loss certification button d12. Accepting the press of the total loss certification button d12 is an example of an operation related to deciding to pay insurance money corresponding to the insured feature, regardless of whether or not an insurance claim has been made for the insured feature.

[0073] 5. Hardware Configuration Referring to Figure 6, an example of a hardware configuration when the devices included in System 1 described above are implemented by computer 70 will be explained. Note that the functions of each device can also be implemented by dividing them among multiple devices.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, the computer 70 includes a processor 700, a storage device 702, an input interface 704, a data interface 706, a communication interface 708, and a display device 710.

[0075] The processor 700 controls various processes in the computer 70 by executing programs stored in the storage device 702. For example, each functional unit of the control unit 10 of the information processing device 2 can be realized by the processor 700 executing programs stored in the storage device 702.

[0076] The storage device 702 is a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 700, as well as data required during program execution.

[0077] The storage device 702 can also be a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage device 702 stores the operating system and various programs for realizing the above configurations. The storage medium storing these various programs may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In addition, the storage device 702 can also store tables for registering various information and a database for managing those tables. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage device 702 as needed and accessed by the processor 700.

[0078] The input interface 704 is a device for receiving input from the user. Specific examples of the input interface 704 include cameras, buttons, microphones, keyboards, mice, touch panels, various sensors, and wearable devices. The input interface 704 may be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0079] The data interface 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. Specific examples of the data interface 706 include drive devices for reading data stored on various storage media. The data interface 706 may also be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the data interface 706 would be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB.

[0080] The communication interface 708 is a device for performing data communication with external devices of the computer 70 via a communication network 5, either wired or wirelessly. The communication interface 708 may also be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the communication interface 708 would be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB.

[0081] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include liquid crystal displays, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays, and displays for wearable devices. The display device 710 may be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, if a touch panel is used as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured as an integrated unit with the input I / F 704.

[0082] Furthermore, the components of the device included in the System 1 described above are such that a program stored in the storage device 702 is executed by the processor 700, thereby realizing a defined process in cooperation with other hardware. In other words, these components are conceived as both software or firmware, and as corresponding hardware, and in both concepts, they are also described and interpreted as "function," "means," "part," "processing circuit," "unit," or "module," etc.

[0083] 6. Variations The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. The configurations that the embodiments may have are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the first imaging device 4a, the second imaging device 4b, and the third imaging device 4c may be at least one combination of different devices or the same device. When there is a combination of the first imaging device 4a, the second imaging device 4b, and the third imaging device 4c that is the same device, the resolution can be controlled to be high or low by changing, for example, the lens, sensor, image processing method, and imaging altitude.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the imaging device 4 may be an imaging device using SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar). SAR is a technology that acquires information about the Earth's surface by irradiating it with radio waves and receiving the reflected waves. Since SAR can take images regardless of weather conditions or time of day, it can be particularly useful for understanding the extent of damage immediately after a large-scale disaster occurs. The first imaging device 4a may be, for example, an artificial satellite equipped with SAR, and the second imaging device 4b may be an artificial satellite or aircraft equipped with an optical sensor that takes images of visible light.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 2 may perform different processes depending on the time elapsed since the occurrence of a wide-area disaster. In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 may grasp the full extent of the damage based on wide-area images of a wide area within a first period (e.g., one week) after the occurrence of a wide-area disaster, identify areas with a high rate of total loss based on medium-area images of a medium-area including the target area within a second period (e.g., three to five weeks) after the first period has elapsed, and estimate the damage status of individual insured properties based on narrow-area images of a narrow area including the insured properties within a third period (e.g., four to six weeks) after the second period has elapsed. With this configuration, it is possible to gradually grasp the extent of the damage from immediately after the occurrence of a wide-area disaster, and it may be possible to efficiently allocate the insurance company's investigation resources.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the estimation means 106 may estimate whether the insured property is damaged to the extent that its structure is no longer recognizable. In one embodiment, the estimation means 106 may estimate, based on a narrow-area image, that the building is damaged to the extent that its structure is no longer recognizable if the main structural parts (e.g., columns, beams, walls, and roof, etc.) of the insured property have collapsed or fallen apart. Alternatively, the estimation means 106 may estimate that the insured property is a total loss even if some of its structure remains. In one embodiment, the estimation means 106 may estimate, based on a narrow-area image, that the building is a total loss even if some of its walls or columns remain, but the roof has collapsed or the main structural parts are severely damaged. This configuration allows for a more detailed estimation of the extent of damage to the building, potentially improving the accuracy of insurance payment decisions.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the estimation means 106 may estimate not only whether the damage to the feature is total loss, but also whether it falls under other damage categories such as major damage, minor damage, and partial damage. In one embodiment, the estimation means 106 may evaluate the degree of damage to the feature in multiple stages based on a medium-range image or a narrow-range image and calculate the insurance amount corresponding to each damage category. With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently grasp damage situations other than total loss and respond to a wider range of insurance claims. Furthermore, the identification means 102 may identify the target area based on the percentage of feature that is total loss in the first area, as well as the percentage of feature that is major damage, the percentage of feature that is minor damage, and the percentage of feature that is partially damaged. The first threshold and the second threshold may include a threshold for evaluating the percentage of feature that is total loss, as well as a threshold for evaluating the percentage of feature that is major damage, the percentage of feature that is minor damage, and the percentage of feature that is partially damaged.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the estimation means 106 may use different approaches to accuracy in estimating the damage situation depending on whether the area is wide, medium, or narrow. In one embodiment, the estimation means 106 may prioritize recall when estimating the damage situation in a wide area, and prioritize precision when estimating the damage situation in a medium or narrow area. Prioritizing recall may mean prioritizing not overlooking damaged features. Prioritizing precision may mean increasing the probability that features estimated to be damaged are actually damaged. With this configuration, areas with a high possibility of damage can be broadly extracted in wide areas, and the damage situation can be grasped more accurately in medium or narrow areas, enabling efficient step-by-step assessment of the damage situation.

[0090] While the above embodiments primarily describe examples of streamlining insurance-related operations, the disclosure is not limited to these examples. This disclosure can also be applied to various industries that require understanding a wide range of situations.

[0091] 7. Supplementary Information The wording in this embodiment may be understood as follows, to the extent that it does not cause any contradiction.

[0092] In this embodiment, "performing a predetermined process based on predetermined information" may mean performing the predetermined process based on at least a portion of the predetermined information, performing the predetermined process based on at least the predetermined information, or performing the predetermined process probabilistically based on the predetermined information. In other words, "performing a predetermined process based on predetermined information" is not limited to performing the predetermined process based solely on the predetermined information.

[0093] In this embodiment, "executing another process based on a predetermined process" may mean any of the following: executing the other process after the predetermined process has been executed; executing the predetermined process and the other process consecutively; executing the other process based on information determined by the predetermined process; executing the other process on the condition that the predetermined process has been executed; or executing the other process by means of the predetermined process. Furthermore, "executing another process by a predetermined process" may be understood in the same way as "executing another process based on a predetermined process."

[0094] In this embodiment, "the predetermined information includes other information" may mean either that at least a portion of the predetermined information is the other information, or that the other information can be obtained based on the predetermined information.

[0095] In this embodiment, "a predetermined process includes other processes" may mean either that at least a part of the predetermined process is the other process (i.e., the other process is performed in the process of obtaining the result of the predetermined process), or that one aspect of the predetermined process is the other process.

[0096] In this embodiment, "a predetermined object and another object correspond" may mean that there is a one-to-one relationship between the predetermined object and the other object, that the other object is included in a predetermined set identified based on the predetermined object, or that the other object can be identified based on the predetermined object. Furthermore, "a predetermined object and another object corresponding" is not limited to being managed, for example, in a database. Also, "a predetermined object and another object being associated" may be understood in the same way as "a predetermined object and another object corresponding."

[0097] In this embodiment, "acquiring information" includes making the information processable by the control unit 10. "Acquiring information" may include, for example, receiving the information from another device, obtaining the information through predetermined processing, and reading the information from the storage unit 12.

[0098] In this embodiment, "generating information" may mean either making the information obtained by a predetermined process processable in the control unit 10, or storing the information obtained by the predetermined process in the storage unit 12.

[0099] In this embodiment, "determining information" may mean either selecting at least one piece of information from one or more pieces of information, or generating new information.

[0100] In this embodiment, "outputting information" may mean either transmitting the information to another device or outputting the information as audio or video.

[0101] 8. Configuration Examples This disclosure includes the following technologies:

[0102] [Note 1] A program that causes a computer 70 to function as: a first acquisition means 100 that acquires a first image generated when a first imaging device 4a photographs a first area on the ground; a identification means 102 that identifies a target area within the first area where the damage caused by a wide-area disaster is greater than or equal to a predetermined size, based on the first image; a second acquisition means 104 that acquires a second image generated when a second imaging device 4b photographs a second area including at least a part of the target area at a higher resolution than when the first imaging device 4a photographed the first area; and an estimation means 106 that estimates the extent of damage to features caused by a wide-area disaster in at least a part of the target area, based on the second image.

[0103] [Note 2] The identification means 102 is the program described in Appendix 1, which identifies the target area based on the presence and / or percentage of totally destroyed features in the first area.

[0104] [Note 3] The target area includes one or more sections, and the estimation means 106 estimates the damage status of features in each of the one or more sections based on the second image, according to the program described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0105] [Note 4] The estimation means 106 estimates the proportion of land features that have been completely destroyed in each of one or more plots, and the program described in Appendix 3 further causes the computer 70 to function as a display control means 108 that displays information on the terminal device 3 of the insurance company's representative regarding the first plot of land where the proportion of land features that have been completely destroyed is estimated to be higher than a first threshold.

[0106] [Note 5] The program described in Appendix 4 further causes the computer 70 to function as a receiving means 110 that accepts operations related to deciding to pay insurance money corresponding to a feature belonging to the first section, regardless of whether or not an insurance claim has been made for that feature, after the display control means 108 has displayed information regarding the first section on the terminal device 3 of the person in charge.

[0107] [Note 6] The computer 70 is further configured as a determination means 112 for determining whether or not there are insurable features in a second section where the proportion of features that have been completely destroyed is estimated to be less than or equal to a first threshold and higher than a second threshold among one or more sections; and a third acquisition means 114 for acquiring a third image generated by a third imaging device 4c imaging a third area including at least a part of the second section at a higher resolution than when the second imaging device 4b was imaging the second area, if the determination means 112 determines that there are insurable features in the second section, and the estimation means 106 estimates whether or not the insurable features have been completely destroyed based on the third image, as described in Appendix 4 or 5.

[0108] [Note 7] The program described in Appendix 6 further includes a display control means 108 which, when the estimation means 106 estimates that the insured property is a total loss, displays information about the insured property on the employee's terminal device 3, and causes the computer 70 to function as a reception means 110 which receives operations related to deciding to pay the insurance money corresponding to the insured property, regardless of whether or not an insurance claim has been made for the insured property, after the display control means 108 has displayed information about the insured property on the employee's terminal device 3.

[0109] [Note 8] The second area is narrower than the first area and consists of programs described in one of the appendices 1 to 7.

[0110] [Note 9] The second imaging device 4b takes photographs of the ground from a lower altitude than the first imaging device 4a, using a program described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8.

[0111] [Note 10] A program that causes a computer 70 to function as: a first acquisition means 100 that acquires a first image generated when a first imaging device 4a photographs a first area on the ground; a identification means 102 that identifies a target area within the first area where damage from a wide-area disaster exceeds a predetermined size, based on the first image; a second acquisition means 104 that acquires a second image generated when a second imaging device 4b photographs a second area including at least a part of the target area from an altitude lower than that of the first imaging device 4a; and an estimation means 106 that estimates the extent of damage to geological features in at least a part of the target area due to a wide-area disaster, based on the second image.

[0112] [Note 11] An information processing method in which a computer 70 executes a program described in any one of the appendices 1 to 10.

[0113] [Note 12] Information processing device 2 comprising a storage unit for storing a program described in any one of the appendices 1 to 10, and a control unit for executing the program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1...System, 2...Information processing device, 3...Terminal device, 4...Photography device, 4a...First photographic device, 4b...Second photographic device, 4c...Third photographic device, 5...Communication network, 10...Control unit, 12...Storage unit, 100...First acquisition means, 102...Identification means, 104...Second acquisition means, 106...Estimation means, 108...Display control means, 110...Reception means, 112...Determination means, 114...Third acquisition means

Claims

1. Computers, A first acquisition means that acquires a first image generated by the first imaging device imaging a first area on the ground, A means for identifying one or more parcels within the first region that are determined to have damage exceeding a predetermined size based on the presence and / or percentage of land features that have been completely destroyed by a wide-area disaster, based on the first image; A second acquisition means for acquiring a second image generated by a second imaging device capturing a second region including at least a part of the one or more sections at a higher resolution than when the first imaging device captured the first region, An estimation means for estimating the proportion of land features that were completely destroyed by the wide-area disaster in each of the one or more sections based on the second image, A display control means that displays information on the terminal device of an insurance company employee regarding the first parcel of the aforementioned parcels in which the proportion of landforms that have been completely destroyed is estimated to be higher than the first threshold, A determination means for determining whether there are insurable land objects in a second section of the aforementioned one or more sections where the proportion of land objects that have been completely destroyed is estimated to be less than or equal to the first threshold and higher than the second threshold, based on whether the address of the insurable land object recorded in the insurance company's database is included in the second section. If the determination means determines that the insured property exists in the second section, the third acquisition means acquires a third image generated by the third imaging device imaging the third area, which includes at least a part of the second section, at a higher resolution than when the second imaging device imaged the second area. To make it function as, The estimation means estimates whether the insured property is completely destroyed based on at least one of image analysis, pattern recognition, and machine learning applied to the third image. program.

2. The aforementioned computer, The program according to claim 1, wherein the display control means further functions as a receiving means for receiving an operation to decide whether or not to pay insurance money to be paid based on an insurance contract relating to a feature belonging to the first section, after the display control means has displayed information relating to the first section on the terminal device of the person in charge.

3. When the estimation means estimates that the insured property is completely destroyed, the display control means displays information about the insured property, including the third image, on the terminal device of the person in charge. The aforementioned computer, The program according to claim 1, wherein the display control means further functions as a receiving means for receiving an operation to decide whether or not to pay the insurance money to be paid under the insurance contract relating to the insured property, after the display control means has displayed information relating to the insured property on the terminal device of the person in charge.

4. The program according to claim 1, wherein the second region is narrower than the first region.

5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the second imaging device photographs the ground from a lower altitude than the first imaging device.

6. Computers, A first acquisition means that acquires a first image generated by the first imaging device imaging a first area on the ground, A means for identifying one or more parcels within the first region that are determined to have damage exceeding a predetermined size based on the presence and / or percentage of land features that have been completely destroyed by a wide-area disaster, based on the first image; A second acquisition means for acquiring a second image generated by the second imaging device capturing a second region including at least a part of the one or more sections from an altitude lower than that of the first imaging device, An estimation means for estimating the proportion of land features that were completely destroyed by the wide-area disaster in each of the one or more sections based on the second image, A display control means that displays information on the terminal device of an insurance company employee regarding the first parcel of the aforementioned parcels in which the proportion of landforms that have been completely destroyed is estimated to be higher than the first threshold, A determination means for determining whether there are insurable land objects in a second section of the aforementioned one or more sections where the proportion of land objects that have been completely destroyed is estimated to be less than or equal to the first threshold and higher than the second threshold, based on whether the address of the insurable land object recorded in the insurance company's database is included in the second section. If the determination means determines that the insured property exists in the second section, the third acquisition means acquires a third image generated by the third imaging device photographing a third area including at least a part of the second section from an altitude lower than the second imaging device, To make it function as, The estimation means estimates whether the insured property is completely destroyed based on at least one of image analysis, pattern recognition, and machine learning applied to the third image. program.

7. An information processing method comprising a computer executing a program according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A storage unit for storing the program described in any one of claims 1 to 6, A control unit that executes the aforementioned program, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

Images